Two-county chase results in arrest; another suspect at large

Times Staff Report

Published: Friday, February 1, 2013 at 9:40 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, February 1, 2013 at 6:42 p.m.

What began as a routine search for criminal suspects turned into a two-county chase that resulted in an arrest and left another suspect at large, according to a news release from Marshall County Sheriff Scott Walls.

According to the news release, deputies and sheriff’s investigators were in the Pleasant Grove area just after 7 p.m. Thursday when they came in contact with a black Ford Mustang and a white Nissan Maxima.

An attempt to stop the vehicles resulted in a chase through the Nixon Chapel area into Blount County, where the driver of the Mustang lost control of his vehicle at the intersection of U.S. Highway 278 and County Road 35.

The Mustang’s driver was apprehended and identified as Phillip Nathan Pointer, 39, of Crossville. He was armed with a handgun.

The Nissan continued on until the chase finally ended on Rocky Branch Road in Blount County. The driver left his vehicle and escaped into a wooded area. Deputies worked through the night without success in an effort to locate him.

The Nissan was reported stolen in July in Lincoln County, Tenn.

Pointer is in the Marshall County Jail, charged with attempting to elude and reckless endangerment. Additional charges are expected.

<p>What began as a routine search for criminal suspects turned into a two-county chase that resulted in an arrest and left another suspect at large, according to a news release from Marshall County Sheriff Scott Walls.</p><p>According to the news release, deputies and sheriff's investigators were in the Pleasant Grove area just after 7 p.m. Thursday when they came in contact with a black Ford Mustang and a white Nissan Maxima.</p><p>An attempt to stop the vehicles resulted in a chase through the Nixon Chapel area into Blount County, where the driver of the Mustang lost control of his vehicle at the intersection of U.S. Highway 278 and County Road 35. </p><p>The Mustang's driver was apprehended and identified as Phillip Nathan Pointer, 39, of Crossville. He was armed with a handgun.</p><p>The Nissan continued on until the chase finally ended on Rocky Branch Road in Blount County. The driver left his vehicle and escaped into a wooded area. Deputies worked through the night without success in an effort to locate him.</p><p>The Nissan was reported stolen in July in Lincoln County, Tenn.</p><p>Pointer is in the Marshall County Jail, charged with attempting to elude and reckless endangerment. Additional charges are expected. </p><p>Assisting the sheriff's office were the Marshall County Drug Enforcement Unit, Douglas Police Department, Blount County Sheriff's Office, Alabama State Troopers and Oneonta Police Department.</p>